Damen Yachting Delivers 53m RAFTER to Join Owner’s Fleet

Conceived with a clear operational brief, RAFTER has been designed to enhance time on the water through increased flexibility, additional capacity and seamless support. The vessel reflects a growing demand among owners for purpose-built support yachts that expand both the logistical capabilities and experiential potential of a primary superyacht.

Accommodation on board is arranged for up to eight guests, alongside a crew of 10 plus the Captain, with interiors that balance practicality and comfort. The design reflects the Owner’s personal vision, incorporating elements of timeless elegance with subtle Old English influences, creating a characterful yet understated onboard environment.

Speaking on the project, Owner’s Representative Rob Dolling highlighted the clarity of the original brief and the strength of the collaboration: “From the outset, there was a clear vision for how the Owner wanted to use YS53 RAFTER and the role she would play within the fleet. Together with Damen Yachting, we were able to translate those wishes into a vessel that is highly functional, personal and closely aligned with the Owner’s programme.”

From a technical perspective, RAFTER has been engineered to deliver substantial operational capability. The 53-metre platform offers more than 200 square metres of open main deck space, providing a highly configurable area for tenders, toys and specialist equipment. A 15-tonne crane supports the handling of large tenders and heavy loads, while the reinforced deck is designed for touch-and-go helicopter operations, further enhancing the vessel’s versatility.

The exterior, interior and naval architecture have all been developed in-house by Damen Yachting, drawing on the shipyard’s heritage in fast offshore support vessels. Key to the design is the signature axe bow, which ensures improved seakeeping and comfort across a wide range of sea conditions, reinforcing the platform’s suitability for global cruising and demanding operational profiles.

As the fourth Yacht Support 53 delivered by Damen Yachting, RAFTER represents a continued evolution of the series, which has become a cornerstone of modern superyacht ownership for those seeking greater autonomy and adventure. To date, Damen Yachting has delivered more than 20 purpose-built support yachts, underlining the growing importance of this segment within the wider market.

Reflecting on the delivery, Jan van Hogerwou, Commercial Executive USA at Damen Yachting, commented: 'Seeing the 53-metre Yacht Support RAFTER depart Antalya is a proud moment for everyone involved. She reflects the versatility of the Yacht Support range and has been created with a very clear purpose. We are delighted to see her begin her next chapter as part of her Owner’s fleet.'

With her departure, RAFTER enters service as a robust and highly adaptable platform, designed to support everything from extended cruising to adventure-led operations, further demonstrating the enduring appeal of dedicated support vessels in today’s superyacht landscape.